Photo : LAPI / Roger-Viollet
Méliès, from illusion theater to the dawn of cinema
Travel back to the birth of cinematic wonders alongside the people who knew the master of illusions best. This unique deep dive into the pioneer’s universe combines rare storytelling with the chance to experience his groundbreaking films on the big screen. A must-see session for anyone curious about how the first blockbusters were brought to life.
Hôtel de Ville (Paris 4th)
About
Discover the legacy of Georges Méliès, the magician of early cinema, at a special lecture held at the Hôtel de Ville on December 1, 2026. From 18:30 to 20:00, Pascal Friaut and Anne-Marie Quévrain, the artist's great-granddaughter, explore his transition from the Robert-Houdin theatre to his pioneering film techniques. Designed for audiences aged 12 and up, the evening features a 35-minute screening of his work. While admission is free, booking is mandatory starting November 17, 2026. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tribute to the inventor of special effects.
Born on December 8, 1861, in Paris, Georges Méliès managed the famous Robert-Houdin theater of illusions for 35 years, located at 8 Boulevard des Italiens (9th arrondissement).
In December 1895, he attended the Lumière brothers' film screening at the Grand Café in Paris. He then seized the cinematograph to create the first special effects in cinema: he described his "trick films" as "fantastic" films. He also produced fairy tales, historical films, reconstructed news stories such as The Dreyfus Affair (1899), and commercials. In 1902, his A Trip to the Moon was the longest film produced in the world (about 16 minutes), but more importantly, it was the first "blockbuster" in cinema history. Distributed worldwide and pirated on a large scale, this film was inspired by both Offenbach's eponymous opera and Jules Verne's novel: From the Earth to the Moon (1865). Building on this success, Méliès pursued both his theatrical and cinematic activities simultaneously.
Over 16 years, Méliès directed nearly 520 films before stopping production in 1913, and then directing his theater in 1915. 130 years later, his prolific work continues to make audiences laugh and marvel.
This lecture will be given by Pascal FRIAUT, President of the Méliès Cinematheque, and Anne-Marie QUÉVRAIN, great-granddaughter of Georges Méliès. It will be followed by a screening of films by Georges Méliès (screening duration: 35 minutes).
Our take on this event
Georges Méliès bridged the gap between illusionist theatre and the silver screen. After managing the Robert-Houdin theatre for 35 years, his 1895 discovery of the Lumière brothers' work led him to create the first special effects in cinema history. Over 16 years, he produced nearly 520 films, including his 1902 masterpiece, A Trip to the Moon, which became the world's first blockbuster by blending opera and Jules Verne's literature.
On December 1, 2026, the Hôtel de Ville hosts a lecture presented by Pascal Friaut, president of the Cinémathèque Méliès, and Anne-Marie Quévrain. This session delves into Méliès's prolific career and is followed by a 35-minute screening of his iconic shorts. The event is suitable for those aged 12 and older.
The presentation takes place from 18:30 to 20:00 at 5, rue de Lobau, 75004 Paris. Entrance is free, but space is limited and reservations are mandatory starting November 17, 2026. The location is wheelchair accessible, allowing for a comfortable experience as you explore the life and work of the man who enchanted the world for over a century.